Under the nascent space fence acquisition program, the Air Force aims to field three new strategically positioned S-band radars around the globe that will significantly enhance the nation’s ability to detect and track objects in space. “The space fence is going to be the most precise radar in the space situational surveillance network,” said Linda Haines, USAF’s space fence program manager at Hanscom AFB, Mass. She added, “The S-band capability will provide the highest accuracy in detecting even the smallest space objects.” The space fence is intended to replace the Air Force space surveillance system, a VHF-band set of radars that has served in this role for decades. In June, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon each a $30 million contract for development of their respective space fence concepts over the next year. After the current phase, there will be a competition to determine the winning radar supplier. (Hanscom report by Monica D. Morales)
Amid a high-profile recruiting crisis, Air Force leaders and experts have increasingly noted the challenging long-term trends the service will face in enticing young Americans to sign up—decreasing eligibility to serve, less propensity to do so, and less familiarity with the military. But while those same leaders say there’s no “silver…